Hoop Rewind: NLBA 15U Elite

The club season is officially in the books, but Prep Hoops Dakotas is hitting rewind to spotlight one of the most exciting programs on the circuit — Next Level Basketball Academy. This feature zeroes in on the NLBA 15U Elite squad, a talented mix of players hailing from both Minnesota and North Dakota.   Guided by Coach Jared Beldsoe — a former standout at MSUM and a seasoned pro with overseas experience — this group made its mark on the Prep Hoops Circuit with grit, skill, and upside. The NLBA 15U Elite roster was packed with intriguing young hoopers who showed flashes of big-time potential throughout the summer.   Take a look below as we dive into player improvements, season highlights, and coach insights from an impressive run by NLBA 15U Elite.   Best of luck to the NLBA ballers this winter!   Looking forward to seeing you back on the Prep Hoops Circuit this spring!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_10db56.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_10db56.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3026466" style="width:274px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Next Level Basketball Academy 15U Elite   Will Olson (2028) |5'10 G| DGF   Will Olson showed steady improvement throughout the spring and summer, taking noticeable steps forward in his overall game. He upgraded his ball-handling and court vision, allowing him to push the tempo in transition and make plays for others. Olson also embraced the physical side — rebounding, posting up smaller defenders, and showing off his strength as a true grinder on both ends. His versatility stood out, giving his team flexibility in multiple roles. A multi-sport athlete and talented football player, Olson's competitiveness translates across every field and court he steps on. The question now is — as he continues to grow and refine his game — just how good will he get?   [player_tooltip player_id='2344662' first='Chase' last='Johnson'] (2028) |5'9 G| DGF   Johnson is a scrappy, hard-nosed point guard who plays with leadership and fire. He proved all spring/,summer that he can flat-out score, highlighted by a 37-point outburst that showcased his ability to get hot in a hurry. Johnson is a creative and versatile point producer who finds ways to impact the game, whether he's setting the table or finishing plays himself. Coaches love his work ethic, toughness, and coachability, and it's clear he's driven to keep improving. Simply put, Johnson is the kind of competitor every team needs running the show.   [player_tooltip player_id='2845366' first='Will' last='Rieger'] (2028) |6'2 F| Fargo South   This athletic, wiry Bruin put together a strong spring and summer with NLBA, showing steady growth and an all-around game that fits today's pace. Rieger runs the floor well, finishes in transition, and can knock down the occasional three when defenders sag off. He was a committed worker heading into the offseason, he focused on taking another leap forward, and will did just that. Rieger brings toughness, energy, and a team-first attitude that make him a fun teammate and valuable piece in the NLBA program.   [player_tooltip player_id='2299908' first='Dau' last='Ripo'] (2028) |5'10 G| Shanley   When it comes to shooting the basketball, [player_tooltip player_id='2299908' first='Dau' last='Ripo'] is the real deal. The sharpshooter consistently averaged 3–5 triples a game this club season, and his perimeter touch makes him a true difference maker every time he steps on the floor. If Ripo can lock in defensively and round out his overall game, he has the tools to become a legit player to watch in the future. With his shooting ability and confidence, it'll be exciting to see if he can make some noise at Shanley this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='2845355' first='Hezekiah' last='Togba'] |6'1 F| DGF   Calling Heze athletic would be an understatement — this DGF Rebel has D1-type explosiveness that jumps off the court. He impacts games on defense and the boards, with mobility that makes him a fun player to watch. While still raw and developing his skillset, his measurables and potential make him one of the most intriguing players on NLBA this season. The program has high hopes for Heze as he continues to develop his game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2447422' first='Isaac' last='Dockter'] (2028) |6'3 F| West Fargo   [player_tooltip player_id='2447422' first='Isaac' last='Dockter'] is a matchup problem for opponents, capable of stretching the floor as a 4 on offense while holding his own defending 4s and 5s on the other end. With nice length and a high basketball IQ, Dockter serves as a verbal leader and communicator on the floor, directing teammates and organizing the defense. His game improved steadily through the offseason, making him a versatile and valuable piece for NLBA this summer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2447425' first='Jaxon' last='Oman'] (2028) |5'8 G| DGF   Jaxon is DGF tough, bringing a scrappy, pesky, and resilient presence to the floor every game. A shutdown defender who excels in full-court pressure, Oman makes life difficult for opponents while still finding ways to score when needed. Always in attack mode, he leads by example with fundamentals, a positive attitude, and a team-first mindset, making him a true leader and catalyst for NLBA this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2447417' first='Rudy' last='Kermee'] (2028) |6'5 F| Moorhead   Rudy made a major impression this summer with his size, athleticism, and game-changing presence on both ends of the floor. Standing tall with a plus wingspan, Kermee absolutely crushed the glass, especially on the offensive boards, where he created extra possessions and momentum-changing plays. He's an athletic finisher who threw down multiple dunks and showed flashes of dominance inside. Kermee also displayed the ability to slash from the wing, adding versatility to his attack. Still a bit raw, but the potential is very real — with his tools and motor, Rudy is an impact player who's only scratching the surface of what he can become.   [player_tooltip player_id='2439218' first='Liam' last='Ertelt'] |6'3 F| Shanley   Liam had a nice club season because of his athleticism, length, and impact on both ends of the floor. The Shanley product proved to be a productive rebounder and shot blocker, using his reach and timing to control the paint. Ertelt's ability to play above the rim and defend multiple spots made him a key piece for NLBA. Coaches noted how much he surprised them with his growth and consistency throughout the year. Beyond the box score, Liam brings a positive attitude, good sense of humor, and is simply a fun guy to have on the team — the kind of teammate every program values.   [player_tooltip player_id='2813428' first='Shadrach' last='Zuo'] (2028) |6'0 G| Moorhead   Zuo brought speed and athleticism that few teams could match. The Moorhead product is blazing fast, and opponents had a tough time adjusting to his mobility and burst. Zuo runs the floor extremely well and is a dangerous slasher who can finish above the rim with flair. When he's in rhythm, he's a bucket-getter capable of heating up quickly, and on the other end, he can sit down and defend with intensity. With his quick first step and explosive style, Zuo is one of those players who keep fans on the edge of their seats every time he touches the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='2447427' first='Lincoln' last='Cook'] |6'4 G| West Fargo Sheyenne   This Mustang is growing like a bad weed, now stretching out to around 6'3”–6'4”, and his game continues to rise right along with him. Cook proved to be one of NLBA's top performers throughout the spring and summer — a consistent shooter who will get you buckets. Don't let the frame fool you — he's stronger than he looks, playing with toughness, grit, and a scrappy edge that basketball fans love to watch. Cook is coachable, reliable, and always makes positive plays, cementing himself as a steady playmaker and one of the key pieces for NLBA this season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/07/IMG_20200719_101143.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/07/IMG_20200719_101143.jpg?w=366" alt="" class="wp-image-1018616" style="width:288px;height:auto" /></a></figure>

The club season is officially in the books, but Prep Hoops Dakotas is hitting rewind to spotlight one of the most exciting programs on the circuit — Next Level Basketball Academy. This feature zeroes in on the NLBA 15U Elite squad, a talented mix of players hailing from both Minnesota and North Dakota.